Real or Fake?

Debt_Free_Chick

I think the environmental issues over real trees are not quite so clear cut, as they appear to be.

Firstly, the vast majority of trees are from a sustainable source - for every tree cut down, another is planted (otherwise the tree farm would be out of trees and then out of business in a few years!).

The tree farm itself provides a habitat for wildlife and trees are generally beneficial to the environment.

Once finished, the tree could/should be reused - many local authorities have free collection so the trees can be chopped/shredded and used as a mulch. Mulches are good for preserving moisture, so reducing the demand on the water supply.

And, of course, the tree farms contribute to the local economy - whereas many artificial ones are imported ("tree miles").

Artificial trees might actually damage the environment, depending on how & where they're manufactured.

Complex, this environmental thing .....

cuddlymarm

:xmastree: :xmastree: :xmastree:

Hi

We have always had a real tree (well since the kids could walk, pine needles aren't nice to crawl on) Its one of the traditions that we have that makes Christmas enjoyable for our family.:snow_laug We try to all be in when we are decorating it and are all involved.

The bigger tree the better.:rudolf: :rudolf:

I'm feeling quite Christmassy now!

:xmassign:

Pandora123_2

How about a potted Norfolk pine... a living Christmas tree that can be grown indoors year-round.

cuddlymarm

Hi again:santa2:

I forgot to mention that our council will recycle the tree after Xmas. I know that our tree will only last one year but surely using a tree grown specifically for Christmas and then recycling it is healthier than the damage to the enviroment when the fake tree is no longer usable.

Please note that i'm not having a go at people that have fake trees.:rudolf:

There are some lovely fake trees on the market and it's everyone individual choice.
:xmastree: :xmastree:

cuddlymarm

Hi Pandora:rudolf:

We don't have a very large living room so it's OK to fit a tree in for a couple of weeks but not permanently.

We haven't anywhere outside where a tree would be able to be kept in a pot.

We have thought of a potted tree but part of our Christmas is a lovely big tree to put the presents under.

:xmassign:

Pandora123_2

Hi cuddlymarm,

Whilst Norfolk pine in their native subtropical habitat (Australia, Hawaii) grow over a hundred feet tall, a potted one grown as a houseplant or in a conservatory (they wouldn't survive outside in our climate) probably would not grow more than a few feet (the tallest one I've ever had was about 4 ft high). They are more for putting presents AROUND rather than under

But they are very pretty trees and look adorable decorated with mini coloured lights and small ornaments.

foreign_correspondent

we always have a real tree, they smell great and always make me feel really christmassy!
We have found a really cheap way of getting one! (not nicking one from the nearest forest btw, although some people do that!!)
I hate starting chrismas too early, and have found that if you go to the place where they actually grow and sell the trees on christmas eve, they usually have loads left, you can take your pick, and they are very prepared to barter - got a beautiful 6 foot blue spruce last year for £5!! (instead of about £30)
There is a risk they might sell out, but we have always managed to find one. If not, try local shops selling them on christmas eve - very often reduced or again, prepared to do a deal!
I love getting the tree on christmas eve, and would rather have it fresh on christmans day than have one thats been in the warm for a week and is looking a bit sad!

netally

I'm getting a fake one, as I love the black christmas trees! I'm a bit of a goth, so i'm going to have lots of silver and black decorations too!

Queen.Bess

We have a fake one that's now 3 years old and is lasting well! But when it does come to the end of its life, I may well consider having a rooted tree so I can plant it out each year!

newleaf

We always have a real tree - a 6-7 foot Nordmann Fir, delivered by a local farmer, they don't lose their needles so much. We put it through the shredder after Christmas and use it as mulch. Mr newleaf drills holes in the trunk and leaves it in the hedge for ladybirds and bees to nest.